The School Psychologist plays a vital role in supporting the cognitive, social-emotional, and behavioral development of students with disabilities. This position is responsible for conducting comprehensive psychological assessments, providing counseling and behavioral interventions, and collaborating with educators, therapists, and families to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment. The School Psychologist can participate in the IEP process, ensures compliance with state regulations, and provides staff training on best practices in behavior management. Through their expertise, they help foster a positive, developmentally appropriate educational experience for children with diverse learning needs.
Assessment & Evaluation:
Interpret and analyze assessment results to determine students’ strengths, needs, and eligibility for special education services.
Provide detailed psychological reports with recommendations for interventions and support services.
Monitor students' progress and adjust recommendations or interventions as needed.
Intervention & Support:
Provide individual and group counseling to support students’ social-emotional and behavioral development.
Develop and implement evidence-based interventions to address behavioral, emotional, and adaptive skill needs.
Assist in the creation and implementation of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP).
Utilize play-based and developmentally appropriate strategies to address social-emotional and behavioral challenges.
Provide crisis intervention and support as needed.
Collaboration & Consultation:
Work closely with teachers, therapists, and administrators to ensure students receive appropriate support services.
Serve as a consultant to educators by providing guidance on best practices for behavior management, classroom accommodations, and instructional strategies.
Collaborate with families to provide resources, training, and strategies to support their child’s development at home and in school.
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, including CSE meetings, to advocate for appropriate services and interventions.
Provide professional development and training for staff on topics such as social-emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, and early childhood mental health.
Active member of the Behavior Support Team.
Compliance & Documentation:
Ensure compliance with New York State Education Department (NYSED) regulations and CSE guidelines.
Maintain accurate and confidential student records, psychological reports, and progress notes.
Complete all required documentation in a timely manner, including evaluations, reports, and meeting summaries.
Stay updated on changes in policies, procedures, and best practices in early childhood psychology and special education.
Program Development & Advocacy:
Contribute to the development of a positive, inclusive, and supportive preschool learning environment.
Advocate for best practices in early childhood mental health, special education services, and family engagement.
Support school-wide initiatives that promote emotional well-being, positive behavior, and inclusion.
Assist in identifying program-wide strategies to enhance student engagement and social-emotional development.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel, talk and hear. Walk to and from various locations in the building. May need to stoop, bend, and sometimes lift or push wheelchairs of children being served. Physical intervention techniques may be required to aid the children in challenging moments. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision and ability to focus.